REGINA -- Back in the spring of 2008, CFL GMs had game film arrive of Central Florida against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Most of them got it twice.

Both Keith Shologan and Jesse Newman succeeded in their quests by sending out tape, as both were drafted into the CFL, eventually becoming starters for their respective teams. And now Shologan, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle out of Central Florida, will go head-to-head with Newman, the Calgary Stampeders left guard, in the West final today.

"The film wasn't the same plays, but it's interesting how small a world it is," Shologan said.

Newman, who was drafted third overall last season out of Louisana-Lafayette, took a quicker path to starting than Shologan. The Powell River, B.C., native missed the first two games last season before moving into his spot at left guard, and he only lost a hold on it this year due to injury.

Shologan played just one game last season. But when Scott Schultz retired suddenly after Week 5, the Spruce Grove native was thrown into the fire.

Just as Newman did for the Stamps in 2008, Shologan solidified the spot in taking over for a popular vet.

"When you can step in and play at a level where no one notices any letdown from the last player, then you know you are doing a good job," Newman said. "When I first saw him when he came to Saskatchewan, I went over and asked if he remembered who I was. We had some good games.